Dog Care Tips: Feeding Your Puppy
Puppies have slightly different nutritional needs than adult dogs. Their coat, bones, organs, and teeth are still maturing. The foods they eat must have an ample supply of nutrients to support their growth. Remember the difference in energy levels there come from puppies as compared to older dogs. In order to remain energetic, they need a constant supply of foods that provide a source of vitamins, minerals, and the right kinds of fats. Further we will review four tips you can use to feed your new puppy.
#1 – Buy Commercial Brands
Many owners are tempted to prepare specific meals for their pups, but it’s usually a bad idea. Without rigorous attention to detail, it’s practically impossible to measure the right level of vitamins, fats, proteins, and other nutrients.
By contrast, commercial puppy foods are specifically formulated to provide the right blend for a puppy’s growing body. Manufacturers understand the special needs of puppies. These formulations take into account the high energy and protein requirements of puppies. As a side note, if you’re raising a large breed (for example, a Bernese Mountain Dog), visit your pet supply store to check whether they carry a breed-specific brand.
#2 – Be Consistent
In many ways, puppies are creatures of habit. Once they start eating a brand they enjoy, changing that brand – even for “variety” – isn’t normally welcome. But all dogs young or old will eat a meal if one is presented. However, unless there is a compelling reason to change brands, avoid doing so. If you must switch, try to wean your pup off the old food by gradually mixing the new food in.
#3 – Set A Time And Stick To It
In the same way people normally establish certain times to eat meals, you should create a feeding schedule for your puppy. Puppies if not supervised will often times overeat. Because canine obesity is such a debilitating problem, try to encourage the right eating habits when your pup is young. Pick two or three times during which you’ll feed him. He’ll quickly come to recognize those times instinctively.
#4 – Make Drinking Water Available
Puppies need water just like people and some breeds require more than others. Always make sure their is plenty of water available for your puppy. A youthful puppy will use more energy through the course of the day than an older dog. That means he’ll be drinking more water to keep hydrated. Provide him with all he needs.
It’s not difficult to design an easy feeding plan for your pup. Invest in a high-quality commercial brand, avoid switching it, pick feeding times and don’t deviate from them, and give your puppy all the water he wants. You can add all natural dog treats or dog chews as a special bonus for your dog as well. If you follow those guidelines, your pup should grow up to be a healthy, happy adult dog.
July 22, 2009 under 
Puppy Training
Tags: Canine, dog, dog care, Dog Tips, Dogs, Feeding Puppy, puppies, puppy
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This is some very well laid out information. We have a new 4 month old puppy, a toy poodle. We notice she does well eating her puppy food. I do notice when you drop some food on the floor in the kitchen she’ll eat it. My daughter is training her with the little liver treats you get in the Pet Stores. She so far can sit and also dance.
Consistency is key I think. I have my puppy on a schedule and neither I nor she strays off it. We have one set brand I feed her. Either wet or dry it comes from the same company. I always leave water out for her although she will drink and drink if you put too much so I watch that.
I make it known to her that her food is her food, and my food is my food. I’m very strict about feeding dogs table food, I don’t allow it. My puppy knows not to beg when I or company is over eating at my home.
Id just like to add to the advice of purchasing high quality dog food. After the pet recall a couple years back, it is extremely important to be aware of the actual ingredients such as artificial protein from vegetables. Pet food companies have gotten much better since, but its never worth the risk.
Good quality pet food is a must. Another thing to consider is some raw meat in their diet. It can be expensive so you’ll need to shop around but a bit of raw meat is good for health.
Nick